Promo

A large section of the Municipality of Poljčane is part of the Natura 2000 network. In the video the mayor explains how the features of the landscape are used and integrated into projects. That is followed by a presentation of the Nature Development Centre, which will connect natural and cultural heritage with tourism activities in the municipality.

Video Report

Panoramic Pictures

Video transcript

The authorities of the Municipality of Poljčane are aware that raising awareness of the environment, ecoremediation approaches and nature protection also helps them promote their home area. That is why they were among the first to implement certain innovative projects, one of them being the outdoor educational course.

Stanislav Kovačič, Mayor of Poljčane:We are taking a serious approach to protecting our environment, which is a logical consequence of the fact that 60 % of the Poljčane area is part of the Natura 2000 network. Therefore, we have to use the advantages of Natura 2000, integrate them into various projects and I am proud to say that we were quite innovative in this regard and received praise from all over Slovenia. Our largest investment was the Nature Development Centre; however, it is not merely a building, which we physically adapted for future operation, but a combination of projects related to it. This year we have already installed two constructed wetlands with suitable drainage systems in Podboč and Krasna. Next year two more buildings will become functional – the former school in Studenice as a geomorphologic centre and a structure in Zgornje Poljčane, a former blacksmiths workshop, as a nature centre in the sense of preserving the Boč Landscape Park.

Klavdija Majer, Municipality of Poljčane, project manager:The centre will provide visitors with information on the natural heritage of the Bela valley and on the cultural heritage of this whole area. At the same time, visitors will be able to bake bread in this building and learn about our ancestor’s way of life in this area.

An educational trail along the Dravinja River will also be established, featuring four info points and a hide for watching birds. Info points will contain information on the treasures and particularities of the valley, the Dravinja River and the Boč Landscape Park.

Klavdija Majer, Municipality of Poljčane, project manager:We will also restore the Convent Educational Trail with fourteen info points where visitors will be able obtain information about the natural and cultural heritage of Studenice.

Klavdija Majer, Municipality of Poljčane, project manager: This building will house the Nature Development Centre administration. The project will next year be institutionalized as a public institute – the Municipality of Poljčane is going to found the public institute “Nature Development Centre”, whose main objective will be to connect natural and cultural heritage of Poljčane and create added value for tourism in the Poljčane area.

Stanislav Kovačič, Mayor of Poljčane:Ever since we started working on these projects, we tried to involve a large circle of people, so, in a way, these projects reflect their opinion. People connected with that and I believe that these projects will bring to our parts the opportunity for a better life, better income and, of course, activities related to the operation of the Nature Development Centre.